Labret studs consist of a small stud in the front and a flat disk in back, connected by a short barbell. They can be made of any piercing-suitable material, including stainless steel, titanium and niobum, gold (14k or higher), glass or biocompatible polymer plastics. Labret studs can be used in other piercings as well, notably in the cartilage of the ear.
Alternatives to labret studs include captive bead rings, fishtail labrets and, for larger-diameter piercings, labret plugs. Fishtail labrets have a short wire backing instead of a flat disk. They are more comfortable for some than studs, but have a tendency to fall out when the wearer is sleeping.
The immediate risk for labret piercings, as with any piercing, is infection. Following proper aftercare procedures as recommended by your professional piercer will greatly diminish this risk. For oral piercings, this includes no kissing, no oral sex and no smoking. Do not share utensils or dishes with anyone else. Don't play with the jewelry. Labret piercings typically take two to three months to heal. Over the long term, labrets can contribute to gum erosion and tooth damage. Also, a labret piercing can become stretched to the point where it can cause saliva to leak from the hole both when the labret stud or other jewelry is in place and when it is removed.
Labrets were worn by the Aztecs and Mayans; "tentetl" is the Nahuatl word for a labret stud. Labret studs were also found in the Indian tribes of the Pacific Northwest. Among the Inuit, both men and women wore labret studs; men were pierced at puberty.
The word labret is derived from "labrum," the Latin word for lip. A pair of labret piercings, one on each side of the face, are called "snakebites."
Christina Aguilera sports a labret stud. Guitarist Benji Madden of the band Good Charlotte has a set of three labret studs.